A: Absolutely not! you are possibly making the largest investment in your life. The most important thing is the quality of the service, not the price. All inspectors and companies are not created equal. For the largest investment in your life, you deserve the best inspection to protect yourself.

A: Call up and ask about their credentials and experience. If for some reason you don’t feel comfortable asking this of the inspector when speaking with them on the phone then how will you feel asking questions at the inspection. You must feel that the inspector is qualified, experienced and attentive of your needs.

A:The Background Of A Generalist
A good Home Inspector draws on general knowledge gained from a variety of experiences, training and education such as:

  • Various construction trades
  • Home technologies and systems
  • Knowledge of mechanical and structural systems
  • Landscaping and drainage issues
  • Report writing
  • Verbal communication skills
  • Computer technologies
  • People skills

A good home inspector must be a generalist rather than a specialist and will recommend the expertise of a variety of specialists including electricians, plumbers, carpenters, exterminators, roofer’s, general contractors and structural engineers. This is similar to a family Physician recommending that a patient seek out the advice of a heart specialist for a particular issue.

James Ruppert, the principle inspector for Safe Harbor Inspections Inc., has solid experience in all of the areas indicated above and can be trusted to perform the best home inspections available today.

Concise, Accurate And Meaningful Reporting
In addition to having a solid generalist background, the home inspector must understand the various aspects of real estate transactions and be able to communicate the important findings of the inspection to the client in an unbiased, objective and concise manner. For example the home inspector must not report problems as an alarmist or in such a way that could cause the client to interpret the information out of proportion and jeopardize the real estate transaction.

James Ruppert is a Certified Home Inspector and has 25 years of experience in inspecting. Your home inspection report will be meaningful and concise.

Computer And Reporting Technology
With the variety of computer technology available today, a good home inspection firm will offer comprehensive computer generated reports complete with photos which help explain the results of a home inspection. This report should be available to the client shortly after the home inspection and it can even be generated on-site. The report should be able to be emailed to the client, and at the client’s request should be available on a secure web site on the Internet. Safe Harbor Inspections Inc. utilizes the latest in technology including very lightweight “tablet” computers, digital photography, the latest in home inspection software and portable/mobile office technology. Safe Harbor Inspections Inc. is committed to providing clients the benefits of timely and accurate information available through the use of the latest in technology.

Ethics And Honesty
As in most industries today, ethics plays a large role. Your home inspection company should never be in a position whereby they can profit from recommendations made during the inspection. For example some inspectors will recommend a specific electrician and receive a commission from the electrician. This is a violation of the code of ethics in effect for most home inspector associations. Safe Harbor Inspections Inc. never receives money from any company that may provide services to the homeowner as a result of the inspection. In fact, Safe Harbor Inspections Inc. makes it a practice to recommend a specific trade rather than a specific company for work that needs to be done as a result of the home inspection. As can be seen in our mission statement, integrity, professionalism and ethics are very important to Safe Harbor Inspections Inc.

Certification
A good home inspector is certified by a reputable association for example NACHI (National Association of Certified Home Inspectors) and the Home Inspection Institute of America. In some cases the home inspection company is affiliated with other associations as well. James Ruppert and Safe Harbor Inspections Inc. meets the above qualifications.

 

A: A thorough Inspection covers everything from roof to the foundation.

  • Attic
  • Insulation
  • Ventilation
  • Roof & Flashings
  • Gutters
  • Basement
  • Crawlspace
  • Foundation
  • Grading
  • Retaining Walls
  • Siding & Trim
  • Driveways & Walks
  • Ceilings
  • Floors
  • Walls
  • Doors & Windows
  • Chimney
  • Fireplace
  • Major Appliances
  • Electrical System
  • Water Heater
  • Plumbing System
  • Air Conditioning
  • Heating
A: Most Inspections take about 2 to 3 hours. These times may vary depending on the size, age & condition of the home.
A: We recommend that you be present at the site of the inspection, from start to finish.

A: The purchase of a new home is one of the single most costly investments that a family will make. Along with the extra stresses this will add, there is also the fear factor of, “Will This Home Stand The Test of Time?” It is also important to know what YOU, as the primary investor, are getting for your money.

A home inspection is an excellent tool for you, the home buyer, to help determine not only the condition of the home, but to also help foresee any immediate unnecessary additional cost that may go unnoticed without the help of a home inspection. Home inspections are not a prediction of future performance, but can pinpoint existing problem areas.

 

A: This is the biggest mistake many potential new homeowners make when purchasing a home. Although the person you are considering may be very skilled, they are not trained or experienced at professional home inspections. Professional home inspection is a unique skill like no other. Professional inspectors get what we call an inspector’s instinct for problems. That instinct takes extensive training and lots of experience doing inspections to develop. Many contractors, and other trades professionals hire a professional home inspector to inspect their homes when they make a purchase.

A: You can call us and discuss all the aspects of your new property whenever you like. Our service is a long-term investment.